For that budget you should be able to push up to an 02/03 (facelift) model if you shop around.
Look out for the usual things on any car- long Mot, no rust, smooth drive, good brakes and that all the electrics work (in particular the boot release/third brake light/rear wiper/working Speedo, as these can be common fault areas).
Other than that the Mk1/1.5 are good solid cars that handle well and fun to drive.
In my personal view a 1.8 is a good size to go for if you want one that has a bit of life in it without being overly 'sporty'.
Best ranges to go for are Zetec or Ghia.
Cam belts are recommended at 100k cut most get them done at about 80k to be on the safe side, a good car sales may well do the job if you make a deal with them.

For that budget you should be able to push up to an 02/03 (facelift) model if you shop around.
Look out for the usual things on any car- long Mot, no rust, smooth drive, good brakes and that all the electrics work (in particular the boot release/third brake light/rear wiper/working Speedo, as these can be common fault areas).
Other than that the Mk1/1.5 are good solid cars that handle well and fun to drive.
In my personal view a 1.8 is a good size to go for if you want one that has a bit of life in it without being overly 'sporty'.
Best ranges to go for are Zetec or Ghia.
Cam belts are recommended at 100k cut most get them done at about 80k to be on the safe side, a good car sales may well do the job if you make a deal with them.

Thanks for the reply - really useful.

I've had a good look through auto trader. Many of the trade sales on there seem to be from back street garages - not the sort of place to change a cam belt.

If I did need to get it changed, am I right in believing it to be quite expensive - like about £400?

Will continue looking.

Additionally:

How much do you think I could get for my Renault Megane 1.6? It's got 55'000 miles on the clock, colour is blue although does have 2 warning lights on - I know this will effect the price. It's a 03 plate btw.

Focus' are a safe bet, mate of mine had a Y plate one with 122k on it and it was fine. Maybe he just got lucky, it did a lot of business miles though so all motorway I guess.

I agree with Clive though, zetec or ghia will get you a decent pull from the engine without being too sporty.

Try websites like pistonheads in the classifieds, there are some dealers on there which might be worth a shout.

As for the megane I guess it would depend on what the warning lights are now it's an MOT failure for them, sisters rover 25 has got the srs light on at the minute and mechanic said it would have to be sorted before it has it. Might be cheaper to get them off before selling it?

For the steering definitely change the fluid, it'll make the world of difference.
For the key buy a cr2032 battery and see how you go.
If it's still a bit ropey then we can talk you through re-synching the key to the car.